On 21 May 2024, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) brings its human rights education caravan, known as Lakbay Karapatan Tungo sa Kamalayan or “LaKarAn” (Human Rights Journey towards Consciousness), in MIMAROPA, specifically in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan.
“LaKarAn aims to bolster CHR’s education and promotion efforts within grassroots communities. It is designed to educate, raise awareness, and promote active participation in human rights issues among grassroots communities. We look forward to bringing the caravan to MIMAROPA,” CHR Chairperson Richard P. Palpal-latoc explained.
Part of the caravan are lectures on the basics of human rights and an orientation on establishing Human Rights Action Centers (HRAC) for local government units and community leaders in the region. Chairperson Palpal-latoc will also pay a courtesy visit to Palawan Governor Victorino Dennis Socrates and Puerto Princesa City Mayor Lucilo Bayron.
For the security sector, there will be an orientation session on applying a human rights-based approach in their policies. Chair Palpal-latoc shall also meet with Vice Admiral Alberto B. Carlos and his delegation during a visit to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Command.
Chairperson Palpal-latoc stressed the objective of the caravan to bring human rights to the ground.
“LaKarAn underscores the importance of understanding and involving local communities in ensuring a fair and just society. Further, it seeks to reaffirm the commitment of all duty-bearers, particularly within local governance and the security sector, to the steadfast promotion and protection of human rights,” he said.
Since its launch, LaKarAn has expanded to various regions including the Cordillera Administrative Region, Western Visayas, Northern Mindanao, and Central Visayas. Through the program, CHR has conducted Human Rights 101 Training for over 210 members of the AFP and the Philippine National Police. Paralegal Training and Workshops have also been provided by the Commission to 296 Barangay Human Rights Action Officers, city officials, and 166 representatives from local civil society organizations. Human Rights Defenders Ordinance and other human rights and gender-related local ordinances have also been enacted in key cities through the caravan.
